2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe - Specs, Design and Photos

The all-aluminium Jaguar F-Type Coupé - the most dynamically capable, performance-focused sports car that Jaguar has ever produced - is available in three versions: F-Type R, F-Type S and the F-Type. The range-topping Jaguar F-Type R Coupé is powered by Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine in 550PS/680Nm tune, delivering acceleration to 60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (electronically limited). The F-Type S Coupé and F-Type Coupé are powered by Jaguar's 3.0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engines in 380PS/460Nm and 340PS/450Nm forms respectively, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph.

The Jaguar F-Type Coupé embodies the uncompromised design vision of the stunning Jaguar C-X16 concept sports coupé that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, its dramatic cabin-rearward stance being defined by three heartlines. The first two heartlines - shared with F-Type Convertible - form the muscular front and rear wings, the third heartline being the sweeping Coupé roof profile which provides an unbroken silhouette while emphasising the visual drama of the tapered cabin sitting between powerful rear haunches.

"The F-Type Coupé provides its driver with a unique sports car experience. It combines seductive design with cutting-edge technology and performance which is truly breathtaking. Engaging, precise, intuitive and alive - it is the definitive sports Coupé." Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar's expertise in aluminium technology has enabled the design vision for the F-Type Coupé to be delivered in a lightweight yet extremely strong bodyshell. Torsional rigidity for all F-Type Coupé variants is 33,000 Nm/degree - greater than in any previous production Jaguar - this rigidity providing the basis for excellent dynamic attributes.

The F-Type Coupé's body side is made from a single-piece aluminium pressing, probably the most extreme cold-formed aluminium body side in the automotive industry, eliminating the requirement for multiple panels and cosmetic joints. The roof panel itself is available in either aluminium or panoramic glass form. A deployable rear spoiler sits within the tapered shut-line of the F-Type Coupé, while slim, wrap-around LED lamps flank a beautifully engineered tailgate, with optional powered open/close functionality.

To deliver assured, progressive handling in line with its 550PS output, the range-topping Jaguar F-Type R Coupé features a bespoke suspension set-up and new dynamic technologies. These include a second-generation Electronic Active Differential (EAD) and - for the first time on a Jaguar - Torque Vectoring by braking, these systems working in parallel to provide immediacy of response and exploitable handling. The EAD system automatically redistributes engine torque between the rear wheels to ensure excellent on-the-limit control, while Torque Vectoring by braking intelligently applies precisely metered braking force to the inner wheels as necessary during cornering to enhance agility. Sports suspension with Adaptive Dynamics damping and Configurable Dynamic Mode further enhance the F-Type R's immediacy of response, providing an exhilarating and involving driving experience.

F-Type R and F-Type S Coupé models also have the option of Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes which offer absolute consistency of performance and excellent fade resistance, as well as a total unsprung-weight saving of 21kg. Every F-Type Coupé model utilises Jaguar's eight-speed close-ratio Quickshift transmission which is optimised for sporting performance, with full manual sequential control from the central SportShift selector or steering wheel-mounted paddles. The F-Type Coupé range complements the existing three-car F-Type Convertible model line-up; the V6-engined F-Type (340PS) and F-Type S (380PS), and the 495PS F-Type V8 S.

Visual appeal is fundamental to Jaguar and, as such, the F-Type Coupé is immediately recognisable, building on the design of the stunning C-X16 concept sports Coupé and the F-Type Convertible - winner of the 2013 'World Car Design of the Year' award.

"Creating a sports Coupé is the purest of design tasks, and also the most challenging; get it right and aesthetically the result will be as dynamic as the car should be rewarding to drive. In F-Type Coupé, I believe we've got it right. The purity of the C-X16 concept has been retained without compromise; the F-Type Coupé's long bonnet, low roofline and tapering cabin inspire me every time I see it." Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The F-Type Coupé visual message is defined by three key 'heartlines', that visual message beginning with the formidable grille. It is from the twin 'shark gill' openings that sit either side of the grille that the essential first heartline - which mirrors the design of the F-Type Convertible - flows and begins to take shape. Running up through the headlamp, and accentuated by the LED 'J blade' daylight running lamps, the line then arcs up over the front wheelarch before dropping elegantly as it runs through the door, washing out into the muscular rear haunch.

The Coupé's second heartline, also shared with the Convertible, begins at the rear edge of the door, swelling outwards and upwards to create a visually strong wheelarch, emphasising the car's rear-wheel drive layout, before dropping vertically through the tail lamp.

The third heartline forms the Coupé's dramatic, cabin-rearward, sweeping roof profile. Providing an unbroken silhouette, it highlights the visual drama of the tapered cabin nestled between the powerful rear haunches. The distinctive side window graphic, finished as standard in bright aluminium, accentuates both the compactness of the car and the roof profile.

The Jaguar F-Type R Coupé represents the pinnacle of the F-Type range. Powered by Jaguar's 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 all-aluminium engine in 550PS and 680Nm form, the F-Type R Coupé achieves headline figures of 0-60mph in 4.0-seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph, 50-75mph taking a mere 2.4-seconds. CO2 emissions are 259g/km.

"The F-Type R Coupé represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's R Performance range - its power, performance and immediacy of response will reward the most enthusiastic of drivers while, most importantly, we've engineered the chassis to provide exploitable handling that inspires confidence. It's precise, and it's fast… a true driver's car." Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity, Jaguar

The R Coupé's supercharged engine delivers not only exhilarating performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT). The high-pressure die-cast lightweight aluminium block is stiffened with cast-iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, providing refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are constructed from high-grade, bespoke aluminium, between them sitting the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger fed by two intercoolers, which feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air, thereby optimising power and efficiency.

2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe - Interior

Like all models in the F-Type range, the R Coupé's driver-focused cabin clearly conveys the car's pedigree and sporting prowess, through a combination of taut, technical styling, involving interfaces and premium materials and textures.

The Jaguar F-Type R Coupé's Performance seats have inflatable side-bolstering and prominent wings for support during high-speed cornering. The seats are finished in premium leather, with the 'R' logo embossed on the headrest. A pure 'Jet' interior colourway is offered with three options of contrast stitching - Ivory, Red or Firesand - on the instrument panels, door casings, grab-handle highlight and cubby box. There are a further three sporting options on the Jet seats - Ivory, Camel or Red duo-tones, each with similarly-matched contrast stitching.

The Jaguar F-Type R Coupé's premium trim also includes leather on the instrument panel and binnacle, armrests, door inserts and the centre console. Leather or Suedecloth headlinings are optional. The driver-focused cockpit conveys its sporting intentions with a small-diameter, flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in Jet leather with the R logo. A round wheel is a no-cost option.

A new, full leather and Suedecloth Jet interior (with Cirrus contrast stitch) is also optional on all derivatives. Suedecloth is used on the seat facings, door casings, instrument binnacle pods and headlining - and can also be combined with a Suedecloth steering wheel.